PopaHALLics #160 "It's Time to Light the Lights"

From Kermit the Frog to the KGB, from Bad Bunny to "Eternity," we are all over the pop culture landscape. There's even a short review of Oscar-nominated shorts.

Streaming:

• "Eternity," Apple TV. After a woman (Elizabeth Olsen) dies in this romantic comedy, she must choose who she wants to spend eternity with: Her longtime husband (Miles Teller) or her husband who died young (Callum Turner).
• "The Muppet Show," Disney +. In this special like their old series (1976-1981), Kermit and the gang try to put on a show despite backstage chaos. Singer/songwriter/actress Sabrina Carpenter is the guest star.
• "Ponies," Peacock. This Cold War thriller features two women (Emilia Clarke and Haley Liu Richardson) becoming unlikely spies in Moscow to investigate their husbands' mysterious deaths. 
• Oscar-nominated live action shorts: "The Singers," Netflix; "A Friend of Dorothy," YouTube; and "Jane Austen's Period Drama," YouTube. Through March 2, you can also watch seven of the nominated live-action and animated shorts at manhattanshortonline.com for $12. 

Books:

• "The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox," by Maggie O'Farrell. In this 2006 novel by the author of "Hamnet," the release of a great-aunt from a psychiatric hospital after 61 years forces a woman to confront a hidden family history of secrets and shame.
• "Our Mothers' Daughters," by Judith Arcana. This nonfiction book from the 1970s uses interviews to explore the relationship between mothers and daughters.

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PopaHALLics #!59 "Train Dreams and Wonder Men"

We discuss the Oscar-nominated "Train Dreams," Marvel TV series "Wonder Man," the latest "Bridgerton," and more! Plus Resident Kid Expert (age 10) reviews "KPop Demon Hunters."

Streaming:

• "Train Dreams," Netflix. A logger (Joel Edgerton) struggles with the meaning of life in this Best Picture nominee. With Felicity Jones and William H. Macy.
• "His and Hers," Netflix. Estranged spouses (Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal) compete to solve a murder case while both thinking the other did it.
• "Wonder Man," Disney +. A struggling actor with superpowers (Yahya Abdul Mateen II) and a pretentious acting vet with a hidden agenda (Ben Kingsley) develop an unlikely friendship. Based on the Marvel comic.
• "Bridgerton," Netflix. In season 4, rake Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) is intrigued by a masked woman (Yerin Ha) at a ball. Upstairs and downstairs!
• "Pinball: The Man  Who Saved the Game," Tubi. A young GQ writer/pinball wizard seeks out to change the game being illegal in NYC in this true story.
• "KPop Demon Hunters," Netflix. This animated musical about a girl group battling demons is Netflix's most-watched original film, with over 500 million views.

Books:

• "Up Jumps the Devil" and "Reincarnation Blues," by Michael Poore. Two humorous fantasies. In the first, the Devil tries to make America great to win back his heavenly love. In the second, Milo is running out of lives to become one with everything—including his true love.
• "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil," by V.E. Schwab. In this acclaimed novel, three female vampires over the centuries deal with love and rage.

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PopaHALLics #158 "Pop Goes the Globe!"

We look at two movies with Golden Globe awards—"One Battle After Another" and "Marty Supreme"—as well as the movie "Life of Chuck," the rom-com "People We Meet on Vacation" and Tulsa-set crime comedy drama series "The Lowdown."

In Theaters:

• "Marty Supreme." Timothee Chalamet won a Golden Globe (best actor, musical/comedy) by playing a talented jerk determined to be a world-champion ping pong player at all costs. With Gwyneth Paltrow, Fran Drescher, Penn Jillette, and more.

Streaming:

• "One Battle After Another," various streaming channels. This intense political thriller won Golden Globes for best musical/comedy, Teyana Taylor (best actress, musical/comedy), best screenplay and best director (Paul Thomas Anderson). Leonardo DiCaprio plays a former revolutionary trying to protect his daughter from a villainous Army captain (Sean Penn).
• "The Life of Chuck," Hulu. This adaptation of a Stephen King novella was written and directed by Mike Flanagan. Tom Hiddleston stars in the life-affirming tale of an ordinary man, whose story is told in reverse chronological order. With Karen Gillan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mia Sara and Mark Hamill.
• "People We Meet on Vacation," Netflix. In this romantic comedy, Emily Bader and Tom Blyth play best friends/polar opposites who have gone on vacation together for a decade. Based on an Emily Henry novel.
• "The Lowdown," Hulu and other streaming channels. Ethan Hawke plays a "truthologist" trying to get to the bottom of the death of the black sheep (Tim Blake Nelson) of a prominent Oklahoma family. With Keith David, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Kyle Maclachlan, and Peter Dinklage.
• "Emily in Paris," Netflix. In season 5, Emily (Lily Collins) travels to Rome to launch an Agence Grateau office there. She also handles a new relationship with a luxury fashion heir (Eugenio Franceschini). What could go wrong?

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PopaHALLics #157 "Ho Ho Pop"

On our last episode of 2025, we discuss new movies including the latest "Knives Out" and "Hamnet," and books including a great take on the Lennon-McCartney relationship. Plus Kate looks back at "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"!

In Theaters:

• "Hamnet." Academy-Award winning director Chloe Zhao and author Maggie O'Farrell explore how the loss of a son inspires William Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.

Streaming: 

• "Wake up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," Netflix. In the third installment of Rian Johnson's detective series, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig, in thumbnail photo) investigates a murder mystery "with biblical proportions" in a small town. With Josh O'Connor, Josh Brolin, and Glenn Close.
• "The Family Plan 2," Apple TV. In this action comedy sequel, the Morgans' trip to London at Christmas is complicated by a "ghost from the past." Starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, and Kit Harrington ("Game of Thrones").
• "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Hulu. Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and her friends (including Alyson Hannigan and Nicholas Brendon) battle vampires and the terrors of high school in this series (1997-2003).

Books:

• "John & Paul: A Love Story in Song," by Ian Leslie. This fresh take on the Beatles examines Lennon and McCartney's relationship from 1957 to 1980 through songs, both their favorites and their originals.
• "Brightly Shining," by Ingvild H. Rishøi. Two young sisters struggle to make a Christmas for themselves as their father struggles with unemployment and alcoholism.
• "Mr. Splitfoot," by Samantha Harris. This contemporary gothic novel interweaves two timelines, one about two orphans in the 1980s and the other about a mysterious walking pilgrimage decades later.

The "fair use" doctrine of U.S. copyright law allows for limited unauthorized use of copyrighted material for purposes such as comment and education.

PopaHALLics #156 "Scott of the Bells"

In this on-location episode, Steve interviews Scott Soltermann, who plays, records, and programs the carillion (bells) at Butler University in Indianapolis. Steve and his wife often hear the bells in their neighborhood and began wondering about the anonymous player. 

Scott, a former music and special needs teacher, also listened to the bells while growing up in Indianapolis. When he returned home from Oregon, he volunteered to keep them going, Now, on a clear day, his playing can be heard for up to two miles! 

For non-Hoosiers: When Scott mentions Tony Hinkle, he's referring to Butler's legendary head football coach, head baseball coach, AND head basketball coach for nearly 50 years. Butler's basketball arena, the largest in the U.S. until 1950, was renamed Hinkle Fieldhouse in his honor. If you've seen the basketball movie "Hoosiers," that's where the fictional state high school championship game was filmed.

We learn how a modern electronic carillion works and hear Scott play some tunes.  It's a show with a peal. (Get it?)

The fair use doctrine of U.S. copyright law allows for the limited unauthorized use of copyrighted material for purposes such as comment and education.

PopaHALLics #155 "Breaking Good"
Can one unhappy woman save the world from "hive mind"? Why does Kate think motherhood is an important theme in the new "Frankenstein"? And Alicia Silverstone may be "Clueless" about her feelings in a new holiday movie.

Streaming:

• "Pluribus," Apple TV.  In the new sci-fi drama from the creator of "Breaking Bad," can the most miserable person on Earth (Rhea Seehorn) save the world from happiness from an extraterrestrial virus? And does Steve agree with the series' 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating?
• "Frankenstein," Netflix. Last episode, we heard Steve's thoughts on Guillermo Del Toro's visually gorgeous version of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, starring Oscar Isaacs and Jacob Elordi. This week, Kate's review.
• "Down Cemetery Road," Apple TV. A concerned neighbor (Ruth Wilson) and a private investigator (Emma Thompson) search for a missing girl and uncover a conspiracy in this 8-part British TV series. Based on a novel by "Slow Horses" creator Mick Herron.
• "A Merry Little Ex-Mas," Netflix. In this romantic comedy coproduced by Melissa Joan Hart, divorcing couple Kate (Alicia Silverstone) and Everett (Oliver Hudson) want one last Christmas together as a family. New flames (Jameela Jamil and Pierson Fode) and old feelings complicate their plans.
• "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," Hulu. Being friends with any of the mom influencers in this reality TV series would be an emotional roller-coaster ride. And not in a good way.

Music:

Folksinger Todd Snider, 59, died on Nov. 14 after being hospitalized with walking pneumonia. Snider was a wry, compassionate voice of modern Americana and alt-country songwriting. Steve is a huge fan, loving Snider's funny songs like "I Can't Complain" and even funnier long, meandering stories. Snider's memoir "I Never Met a Story I Didn't Like: Mostly True Tales" features some of his best ones. Our PopaHALLics #155 Playlist (Todd) showcases some of our favorite tunes by this barefoot troubadour. Enjoy!

Click through the links to watch, read, or hear what we're talking about. The fair use doctrine of U.S. copyright law allows the limited use of copyrighted material without permission for such purposes as commentary and education.

PopaHALLics #154 "It's Alive!"

In this mini-episode, Steve's solo with his review of Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" and the book "Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run," by Peter Ames Carlin. Kate provided rapid-fire reviews of new albums by female artists.

Streaming:

• "Frankenstein," Netflix. Del Toro's version of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel is visually gorgeous, solidly acted, and really comes to life when the Creature (Jacob Elordi) tells his tale. Oscar Isaacs is the arrogant Victor Frankenstein, out to create life even if he hasn't thought through what happens next. Also starring Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Charles Dance.

Books:

• "Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run," by Peter Ames Carlin. Carlin's book takes a fascinating deep dive into the making of an iconic rock album. In danger of being dropped by his record label and fearing this would be his last chance at recording, Bruce Springsteen set out to make a rock album for the ages. He succeeded.

Music:

PopaHALLics #154 Playlist (Olivia) has tunes from Olivia Dean, Florence and the Machine, and Rosalia.

Click through the links to see, read, or hear what Steve is talking about.The fair use doctrine of U.S. copyright law allows the limited use of copyrighted material without permission for such purposes as commentary and education.

PopaHALLics #153 "Popping Up Secrets"
Dad and daughter dish on Lily Allen's "divorce album," the new seasons of "Slow Horses" and "The Diplomat," a late-to-the-party discovery of TV's "Interview with a Vampire," a funny, wise novel called "I See That You've Called in Dead"—and more!

Streaming:

• "Sisu: Road to Revenge," Hulu, Prime. In this John Wick-ish Finnish action thriller, Nazi soldiers steal gold from an old prospector. One problem: He's a former "one-man death squad" legendary for his ruthlessness. 
• "Slow Horses," Apple TV. In Season 5, coordinated terrorist attacks in London begin a destabilization campaign. The first sign something's amiss: Obnoxious Roddy Ho (Christopher Chung) has a girlfriend.
• "The Diplomat," Netflix. In Season 3, the Brits are upset with an American betrayal, and Kate (Keri Russell) and Hal (Rufus Sewell) struggle with their roles and relationship. Bradley Whitford joins the cast as First Husband to President Grace Penn (Allison Janey).
• "Interview with a Vampire," AMC. Season 2 finds Louis (Jacob Anderson) traveling to Paris  with teen fledgling Claudia (Delainey Hayles) in a search for Old World vampires. He meets Armand (Assad Zaman), a relationship that will have devastating consequences. 

Books:

• "I See That You've Called in Dead," by John Kenney. When a drunken obit writer accidentally publishes his own fake obit, he ends up getting a second chance at life in this funny, moving novel.
• "The God of the Woods," by Liz Moore. In this acclaimed mystery, the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl from a summer camp triggers an investigation into her vanishing and her family's dark secrets.
• "Exit Lane: An 831 Stories Romance," by Erica Veurink. This "sweet romance" follows Teddy and Marin's eight-year rocky relationship from Iowa City to NYC and back.

Music:
Lily Allen returns with her first album in seven years, "West End Girl," about the breakup of her marriage. PopaHallics Playlist #153 (Lily) also contains tunes by Tame Impala and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. The great record store we mention is JL Records in West Lafayette, IN.

Click through the links above to watch, read, and listen to what Steve and Kate discuss.

PopaHALLics #152 "Guinness, Ghosts, and Valley Girls"

Dad and daughter dish on "House of Guinness," about a family struggle for control of the brewery; "Presence," a ghost story told from the ghost's POV; variety show host Ed Sullivan and civil rights; and more! Plus the duo likes looking back at "Romy & Michele's High School Reunion." Me too!

Streaming:

• "House of Guinness," Netflix. In this historical drama from the creator of "Peaky Blinders," the brewery founder's four adult children, "each with dark secrets to hide," wrestle for control after his passing. Starring Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, and Fionn O'Shea.
• "Presence," Hulu and Disney +. Director Steven Soderbergh returns to fine independent filmmaking form with this clever spin on a haunted house tale. When a troubled family moves in, we experience events from the ghost's perspective. Starring Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, Callian Liang, and Eddy Maday.
• "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion," Hulu and Disney +. In the 1997 screwball comedy, two Valley Girls (Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow) invent fake careers to impress their former classmates. The cult classic also stars Janeane Garofalo, Alan Cumming, and Camryn Manheim.
• "Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan," Netflix. This 2023 documentary makes the case that the variety show pioneer was also a pioneer in civil rights by showcasing black acts on TV. Includes archival footage of amazing performances and interviews with Smokey Robinson, Harry Belafonte, Dionne Warwick, Oprah Winfrey, and more. 
• "Howl," Prime, various streaming services. Passengers on an overnight train are stranded in the forest with werewolves about in this claustrophobic British horror thriller. Starring Ed Speleers, Holly Weston, Elliott Cowan, and more.

Books:

• "The Warm Hands of Ghosts," by Katherine Arden. A combat nurse searches for her brother, believed dead in the WWI trenches, despite eerie evidence otherwise in this acclaimed novel.

Please click through the links to watch and read about what we're discussing. The "fair use" doctrine of U.S. copyright law allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes like criticism, comment, and education.

PopaHALLics #151 "Halls on Holiday: The PNW (Part Two)"

Steve's almost month-long "retirementmoon" in the Pacific Northwest continues! In this episode: A whirlwind trip to Canada, Bainbridge Island, and Seattle. The Aquarium, the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture, the Fremont Troll, Jimi Hendrix's grave—and more! Join us.

Some memorable places and experiences:

• Silver Falls State Park, Salem, OR. The Trail of Ten Falls, a nationally recognized hiking trail, takes you to 10 waterfalls, including several you can walk behind.
• Sol Duc Hot Springs, Olympic National Park, WA. This resort offers three relaxing mineral hot springs (temperatures ranging from 99 to 104F) and one freshwater soaking pool.
• Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This 121-year-old world-famous garden created by Jennie Butchart features 55 acres of gorgeous flowers and landscaping in five different gardens.
• Japanese-American Exclusion Memorial, Bainbridge Island, WA. This solemn memorial remembers the island's Japanese-Americans, who were the first on the West Coast to be taken away to incarceration camps during World War II.
• Fremont Vintage Mall, Seattle, WA. The self-styled "coolest vintage store in the center of the universe" features furniture, collectibles, records, and more.
• Hot Tub Boats, Seattle. A float in a boat made into a 104 F hot tub on the chilly waters of Lake Union is an unforgettable experience. Bonus: You can motor past the houseboat featured in "Sleepless in Seattle."
• Leavenworth, WA. This Bavarian-style village is a 2 1/2 hour drive from Seattle in the Cascades. Is it hokey? Yes. But great food and drink, Bavarian-themed shops, and the Tumwater Twister Alpine Coaster will make you say "Ja!" 

 Part One, PopaHALLics #150 "Halls on Holiday: The PNW, is a fun listen too!

Music:

We've assembled a Spotify playlist related to the sights and sounds of the trip, Popahallics #150 Playlist (PNW). Jump in the train/van/hot tub boat and turn it up!

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